Industry News

Industry reacts to Autumn Statement

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has updated MPs about the economy is his annual Autumn Statement.

From April 2016 the government will make it cheaper for employers to take on an apprentice by abolishing employer National Insurance contributions for apprentices aged under 25.

Kevin Wellman, Chief Executive Officer for the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), has responded to the news, which was announced in the Autumn Statement by George Osborne.

“Clearly, this is going to be very beneficial for employers and apprentices. When you look at the savings an employer will make over a three-year period, it’s quite substantial. It will also encourage more employers who were doubtful about taking on an apprentice to take that first step.

“On top of this, the £20m budget to improve careers advice will help students to make the right decision on their career path. The CIPHE is an educational charity, as well as being the professional body for the industry. We believe Apprenticeships are key in creating a competent, professional workforce for the future.”

BEAMA’s independent campaign Ask for Underfloor is welcoming George Osborne’s announcement in yesterday’s Autumn Statement that stamp duty will be cut for 98 per cent of homeowners.

Colin Timmins of BEAMA Underfloor said: “The slashing of stamp duty is not only a win for homeowners, but it is also promises to be a huge boost for the construction and renovation industry. When people move into a new home, they spend time and money doing it up, making improvements and putting their own mark on it – and our research shows that underfloor heating is one of the most desirable features that homeowners want.

“Further research by one of our members, Continental Underfloor, reveals underfloor heating is going to be a key feature for 2015. A third of house hunters want underfloor heating in all or some rooms and a fifth want it in key rooms such as the bedroom, bathroom or kitchen – a five per cent increase compared to statistics in January 2014. It’s no surprise that underfloor heating is rising in popularity – it’s widely seen as one of the most efficient ways of heating the home and can help homeowners reduce their energy bills, especially when used with smart heating controls such as the recently launched therM.

“The stamp duty reforms should lead to more movement in the property market, which in turn will result in more home improvements. This is great news for both the Ask for Underfloor members and installers around the UK, and we now urge the public to ensure they find reputable companies with tried and tested systems and products when planning and carrying out work in their new properties.”